NHL Insider Drops Big Update on Penguins Trade Rumors

The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the more interesting teams across the NHL as the offseason continues on. Pittsburgh has a few pieces on the roster who are being viewed as trade chips around the league.

With the Penguins missing the playoffs last season, the team has been looking for different ways to improve for next year. One way could be to move some players to net future assets as the rebuild continues.

One of those players is veteran Rickard Rakell, who has drawn trade interest from multiple teams. However, it seems that Rakell may not be interested in a move away from Pittsburgh.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Rakell's preference is to stay put with the Penguins rather than being dealt.

"I've heard Rakell would prefer to stay in Pittsburgh," Friedman said. "It's just that it's not his call. I've heard he is not averse to staying, but, ultimately, Dubas will make that decision."

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) and center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrate a goal by Rakell against the St. Louis Blues during the third period at PPG Paints Arena.

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Rakell is coming off a career year with the Penguins, scoring 35 goals and 35 assists. The veteran was a big part of the Pittsburgh offensive attack, and the team would need to figure out how to replace him if they traded him.

The Penguins could net some strong assets for a player like Rakell, but Pittsburgh also may want to do right by him. Ultimately, it will be up to the front office to navigate this, but the team also wants to be competitive next season.

With Sidney Crosby on the roster still, Pittsburgh still needs to attempt to win. Crosby has been everything for the Penguins, and the team owes it to him to keep trying to compete for Stanley Cup titles until he eventually retires.